Gemstones of Ancient Anatolia, the Dodecanese and Cyprus

Ivan Mrázek

Ivan Mrázek's new book is a loose continuation (part 2) of his successful book Gemstones of ancient civilisations, which covered only the "major" civilisations of the world. Equally remarkable are the civilisations and cultures of Anatolia, the Dodecanese and Cyprus. The area, a bridge between East and West, has always been a vibrant crossroads of land and sea routes of long-distance trade, a confluence of civilisations that brought new cultural and technological impulses that influenced and intertwined with each other. Since time immemorial, precious stones have been highly sought after and valued as symbols of beauty, rarity, wealth and power. Through them, we get a glimpse of an exposed area that has played a significant role in human history.